Umuleri/Aguleri back to hostilities after ’20 year’ break

A 95 year old man, Elder Nnake Chibuzo is leading his Ikenga Umuleri community in protest against the neighbouring Aguleri in a renewed land dispute. Both warring communities are in Anambra East Local Government.

The protest has created tension among residents of the two communities who are conversant with devastation occasioned by the land dispute that led to deaths in hundreds and loss of properties worth millions of naira about 20 years ago.

This time, the people of Umuleri operating under the aegis of Ikenga Umueri Progressives Union (IUPU) have accused the Aguleri of taking advantage of the governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano who is their son to change the identity of the ancient ancestral route.

Anambra government in a bid to find a lasting solution to the age long crisis instituted a panel of inquiry with some traditional rulers of both communities as members.

The panel which was inaugurated on January 16 2021 was tasked to demarcate the boundaries between both communities, but the report which was submitted after 7 months was rejected by the aggrieved community.

Chairman of IUPU, Chief Frank Ibegbunam announcing the rejection, said he was the only member of the panel from Umuleri community.

He alleged that their monarch, Sir Ben Emeka acted unilaterally without the consent and approval of the people of the community and rightful owners of the land and urged the boundary committee and the state government to discountenance the said resolution.

He called on both federal and state governments to ensure the implement the white paper and court judgement for peace to be restored in the area.

Ibegbunam said: “This matter has been a torn on our flesh and torture to our brains. We had thought the governor, who is almost eight years in office, would have addressed this matter earlier than now.